Early diagnosis of COPD

[摘要] The article regarding early diagnosis of COPD1 was of particular interest, as our practice has recently implemented a Structured Systematic Screening Programme for the Early Detection of COPD. Patients are identified by case finding in routine surgeries and in both current and ex-smokers, those calculated to be ‘at-risk’ (over 40 years, with history of 15-pack-years or greater)2 are subsequently invited for spirometry with the specialist nurse practitioner. This also triggers smoking cessation advice if appropriate. After 10 months, 56% of the target population have their risk documented, and of those, 45% have undergone spirometry. Thirty-five per cent of patients on the current COPD register were diagnosed through this initiative; an increase of 54% on the register held at the start, supporting beliefs that COPD is grossly under-diagnosed and consequently under-treated.3

[学科分类] 卫生学